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Fabric softeners contain a whole load of dangerous chemicals, perfumes, and dyes that can make us itch and cause all kinds of problems we don’t even know about! Fabric softeners coat your laundry with an oily film that makes them feel smooth and prevents static cling. That same oily film deposits dangerous chemical ingredients on your skin and keeps them there, makes your towels less absorbent, and can actually increase the likelihood of fire by clogging your lint trap! I know, I know…you love the scent that fabric softeners leave on your clothes. Bet you didn’t know those perfumes are only there to mask nasty chemical odors, and are pretty toxic themselves. I was a die-hard dye-free, perfume-free liquid fabric softener user for years. I thought I was playing it safe because I didn’t know what has to be added to cover up that chemical smell when you aren’t using perfumes. These substances are known as masking agents, and guess what they are? More chemicals! So, what is the real skinny on what’s in your fabric softener? Here’s a breakdown of just some of what you’re snuggling up to*:

I don’t know about you, but I don’t want any of that stuff in my system. I especially don’t want it on my baby! So, how do you get your clothes soft without this stuff? The answer is surprisingly easy, uncomplicated, and will save you a bundle over the pricey, chemical-laden, store-bought versions. Vinegar. You’ll see me tout the power of vinegar a lot on this website…and for good reason. The stuff has so many uses and is so cheap! Yes, I know it stinks…like a gym locker according to my husband. But, don’t worry…there is a way around that, too. For one thing, most of that smell will be gone once your laundry is done. Secondly, there is a totally natural way to get your clothes smelling wonderful…essential oils. Essential oils have many health benefits, too, so you are not only sparing yourself and your family exposure to nasty chemicals that can harm you and them, but you are also giving them a little aromatherapy boost. Here’s how:

Add about a cup of baking soda to your wash water before adding clothes. (I don’t always do this because I have a front loader and things still turn out great.) Baking soda is a wonderful, natural water softener and costs about $3 for a five pound box.

Place about ½ cup distilled white vinegar and 3-5 drops of your favorite essential oil (I love dōTERRA Lavender) in your fabric softener cup or add when you would normally add softener. I promise your clothes won’t smell like feet when they are done and vinegar actually helps to prevent colors from running, too. I pay about $2-3 for almost two gallons at my local supermarket.

Wash your clothes in cold water and dry on the cool or low setting. It’s simple, and may take slightly longer to dry, but does wonders and minimizes wear on your clothes.

*There are many brands, both less expensive and more costly than dōTERRA, of essential oils on the market. In my experience using many of these brands, the dōTERRA oils are of the highest quality. Each oil is sourced organically from the parent plant’s country and region of origin (and/or region best suited for cultivation) and distilled with the highest standards of purity and safety. There is currently no regulatory purity rating system in place for essential oils. In order to ensure the highest product standards, dōTERRA registered its own trademark, Certified Therapeutic Grade™. This is currently the highest rating for purity and safety of essential oils in the world, and only dōTERRA offers oils of this grade. The dōTERRA oils are the only essential oils on the market suitable for internal use.

**The information contained in this website is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. If in doubt, please consult your healthcare professional before using any of the ingredients or suggestions in our blog. The author makes a concerted effort to list any possible allergens contained in the recipes on this site, but everybody is unique. If you know you have or think you may have an allergy or sensitivity to any ingredient, please be responsible and do your own research prior to use and/or consult your doctor.

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The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease.

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Heather Hurst is an educator, freelance author, and stay-home mom on a personal journey towards a more natural, less toxic life. Take a gander at the About page for more information on Heather and the Going "Green Goddess" project.